Belikos is a 5 piece rock group, with multiple members contributing vocally via song and rapping. The rapping over the gnarly rips of guitar and bass, is quite special, and they kriss kross between the rapping and singing, having a chameleon effect, transforming from a ‘rockafied,’ dance version of Outkast to more of a Chili Peppers vibe. Its very smooth, unforced and really works.
Their song “shooter,” which can be heard on their myspace, is a great example of their range in sound. Starting off with some sick flow over their dance/rock sound, and ending with quite the nasty of solo’s by guitarist Ethan, its all there. A great band right at your finger tips, that I bet you have never heard of.
Unfortunately, whenever you combine the words rock and hip/hop or rapper, many people get turned off and run away. I am the opposite, i like rock/hop, staying hardcore and badass while keeping some soul and rhythm, best of both worlds in my book, think “Walk this Way,” Aerosmith and Run DMC.
These guys are a good solid band; combing the necessary amount of funk into all their music, keeping it groovy, yet hardcore and hip.
“Vendedicatte,” is a great song as well, showing more of their rocker side then other songs, but its good to be balanced, and remember its all about balance.
Todays installment of ‘Gotta check out’ encourages you to spend 3 minutes to check out Belikos.
Their next show is HOB in Atlantic City on Friday, September 10th, but if you are lazy and never leave NYC ( lets be honest, why would you?) they will be bringing the upmost energy to Fontana’s Bar NYC on Sept. 28th.